Touted as the ‘biggest change’ to Better Cotton’s CoC model in over a decade, the public consultation on the new CoC Standard is now live and is expected to conclude on November 25, 2022.

Cotton sustainability programme Better Cotton has called upon public stakeholders for their feedback on its new Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard. In late 2022, a new CoC Standard — previously called the ‘CoC Guidelines’ — will make important changes to the requirements that apply to all registered organisations operating in the Better Cotton supply chain.

The proposed new standard is based on the final recommendations made by an industry task force that has worked to examine and recommend changes to version 1.4 of the CoC Guidelines that would enable the physical tracing of Better Cotton. The task force includes Better Cotton’s member representatives from across the supply chain, including retailers and brands, ginners, spinners, and traders. Once the new standard has been finalised, there will be a transition period before it comes into effect.

The CoC Standard is the key framework that connects demand with supply of Better Cotton and helps to support and incentivise farmers to adopt more sustainable practices. The development of a new CoC Standard has been informed by extensive consultation with partners, members, and external stakeholders through workshops, webinars, and online surveys.

Better Cotton aims to publish the revised standard in early 2023, pending the need for further rounds of consultation with its members.

The draft on the CoC Standard is available in several languages on Better Cotton’s website.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)